What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest most commonly used techniques in the world, originating in China. It is a safe, effective, drug free treatment that has gained wide spread acceptance in the medical field, including formal recognition by the World Health Organization. Acupuncture is a treatment method involving superficial insertion of special sterile acupuncture needles into the skin at specific acupuncture points along the meridian channels, helping to stimulate and regulate the flow of qi. This facilitates a therapeutic response encouraging the body's natural healing process.

From a Western science perspective acupuncture has been shown to influence the nervous system and the endocrine system which produce hormones. These two systems control every function of the body by effecting a change in these systems acupuncture, therefore assists in the body’s own self-regulatory mechanism. Acupuncture can be used effectively to treat a wide range of health issues and symptoms.

Does acupuncture hurt?

To dispel a misconception that acupuncture is painful, it is important to note acupuncture needles are very fine. They are very different to the hypodermic needle used by medical practitioners. In most cases the diameter of the acupuncture needle is the thickness of a human hair. The smallest hypodermic needle is 9 times the diameter of a acupuncture needle. Each person’s experiences are different, you may feel a localised tingling, a dull ache or a slight numbness as the needle begins to affect the nervous system and tissue of the body and in most cases people don’t feel anything.

Are the needles sterile?

Is acupuncture safe?

There have been very few adverse events associated with the use of acupuncture needles, when applied by a fully qualified nationally registered acupuncturist. We are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. This ensures you are provided with the highest level of safety, care and professional service.

How long does acupuncture take to work?

In some instances, clients notice the effect straight away. It does depend on the presenting symptoms and If the issue is chronic or acute. It is very rare that the issue can be resolved in one treatment. Acupuncture works on an accumulative effect and the benefits increase with the number of treatments.

Is acupuncture the same as dry needling

No, acupuncture is not the same as dry needling. Both techniques use the same tools – acupuncture needles. So what’s the difference? Dry needling is often practiced by physiotherapists who insert a needle into soft tissues with the aim of decreasing tension in the musculoskeletal system. In short: instead of pushing their fingers into the tender/sore parts of your body, they insert a needle. Acupuncture uses a combination of tender points along with other distal and adjacent acupuncture points to help treat the root cause and not just the symptoms. Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions, not just musculoskeletal - including depression, menopause, headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, constipation, and diarrhoea (for more information: conditions)

About Herbs & Supplements

How do Chinese Herbs work?

Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years and like other components of Chinese Medicine it is based on the concept of Yin and Yang and aims to treat any imbalances in the body. Herbs can be prescribed singularly or made into a formula tailored to the individual. Chinese Medicine takes onto account the therapeutic action of the herbs, like temperature, taste and the meridian pathway it travels, to maximise the effect when treating a particular condition and this is personalised to the individual.

Are dispensed herbs natural?

Most herbs are of plant origin, which often incorporate ingredients from all parts of the plant. Herbs are made into a formula tailored to the individual. Healing Harmony Wellness Centre does not use herbal products tested on animals or endangered species.

What is massage?

Massage is a hands-on treatment in which the therapist manipulates the superficial and deeper muscles and connective tissues of the body. Using a range of techniques helps facilitate a therapeutic response, promoting blood and lymph circulation, encouraging the body's natural repair and detoxification mechanisms.

What kind of massage do I receive?

Healing Harmony offers a range of massage options:

Remedial Massage: Is a deep muscular massage suitable for soft tissue injuries, acute or chronic conditions, muscular aches and pains and postural imbalances. This can result in increased blood supply to the muscles, improved joint flexibility,repair to tissues and reduced muscular tension.

Sports Massage: Sports massage manually manipulates soft tissue, focusing on areas of the body which are overused and stressed. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time which will enhance performance during training or after an event. Sports massage helps to promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance and helps prevent injuries.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD): Manual Lymph Drainage is a gentle and relaxing massage technique, however it has powerful effects. Consisting of a slow, circular, rhythmic technique which helps to relax the nervous system, aid the immune system and encourage lymphatic circulation. It supports metabolism to promote recovery after illness and injury. MLD helps to alleviate fluid retention, congestion and stagnation. It is a very effective treatment for sporting injuries, post-surgery and the management of Lymphoedema ,which can be a chronic condition due to obstruction of the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes in which excess fluid (lymph) collects in the tissues causing edema (swelling).

What do I wear during a massage?

Depending on the type of massage technique and the specific condition, you may be required to remove some clothing. You will be provided with towels to cover all parts of your body not being treated for your privacy and comfort. Once your massage therapist has explained your treatment your therapist will leave the treatment room giving you privacy to prepare or the treatment. Your comfort is our priority. Contact us for more information or book here

What does ear candling help with?

How does ear candling work?

Ear Candling is a non-intrusive, thermal–auricular therapy for the ears and head. We only use specially designed practitioner only Australian handcrafted candles approved by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Association). The candles are hollow and made out of muslin covered in beeswax and infused with Young Living Essential Oils. Specially designed tapered cone is placed comfortably in your ear, the hollow candle is then placed inside the cone and the opposite end of the candle is lit. This creates a gentle vacuum helping to draw excessive wax and mucus form the ear. As the candle burns your therapist will trim and tap the candle to clear any build of wax and impurities. You may hear crackling sounds and feel warmth in your ear, your therapist will remain with you during the treatment session.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

How long does cosmetic acupuncture take to work?

In some instances, clients notice the effect straight away. It does depend on the presenting symptoms and if the issue is chronic or acute. Acupuncture works on an accumulative effect and the benefits increase with the number of treatments. Normally a difference can be observed after the 5th to 7th treatment.

How does Cosmetic Acupuncture Work?

Insertion of very fine needles into acupuncture points initiates a micro trauma, stimulating blood flow, collagen and elastin production to the area of skin.
Please note cosmetic acupuncture has an accumulative effect it does not erase all signs of aging and results may vary for person to person.

Can I claim cosmetic acupuncture on health rebates?

General Info

What is cupping?

Cupping is a very effective form of treatment in which a special glass cup is placed on the skin, suction is created by using heat which burns up the oxygen, as the cup cools it creates a partial vacuum securing the cup to the skin. Resulting in the skin and subcutaneous tissue being pulled up into the cup stimulating the flow of qi and blood which helps to relax muscles, open meridian channels, relieve pain and dispel toxins from the body. Depending on the treating condition the cups can be left immobile or can be moved around via a sliding technique with the use of massage oil.

What is moxibustion?

Involves burning Mugwort, a Chinese Medicine herb, to facilitate healing, the combination of heat and the warming properties of the mugwort stimulate the flow of qi and blood. Moxa stick is the most common form used, the stick is held above the acupuncture point, about ½ inch from the skin, the practitioner monitors the temperature on the skin allowing a warming sensation to penetrate the body to promote the flow of qi.